We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dana Dang a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Dana thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Have you ever had an amazing boss, mentor or leader leading you? Can you us a story or anecdote that helps illustrate why this person was such a great leader and the impact they had on you or their team?

When I was in undergrad at Texas A&M University, I was a social media intern for the flagship @TAMU accounts. I worked there for two years and it was the best example I have had so far of what a healthy and happy work environment is. Nick Wilson and Jacob Svetz were the two people who supported me, advocated for me, and believed in me. They constantly encouraged me to be as creative as I could. I went into the position for content creation and left with graphic design experience. They trusted my skills and judgment to tell stories through TAMU and that gave me the confidence I have now to do the same for other people. Nick and Jacob saw me as human first – always have and always will. Their empathy is what made the @TAMU social accounts a safe space for students to see themselves represented. That EVERYONE was an Aggie no matter their background.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Howdy! I’m Dana Dang. I’m a graphic designer who will carefully handcraft designs that feel like you and look DANG GOOD! I started my career in undergrad as a video editor and I slowly moved through the modes of content creation until I found my passion in graphic design. I took several classes in graphic design for my art minor and taught myself the rest. After undergrad, I moved to NYC to pursue my Master’s in Professional Studies in Branding + Integrated Communications as an Art Director at The City College of New York. For a year now I have worked in-house, on the agency side, and as a freelancer learning as much as I can in the branding and advertising industry.

I design all kinds of things and for all sorts of occasions! For small businesses, it’s usually branding, business cards, marketing material, and merchandise. For corporate brands, it’s usually presentation decks, advertisements, and packaging designs! My goal is to create designs that FEEL like my clients. I want my client to see themselves and their story in their branding. I want them to be a part of my process in making my work for them authentic to who they are. I’m just proud that I get to do this every day! I’m proud of myself and the friendships I’ve built! I want my clients to know that the people are the most important part of my work. The clients themselves, the people they talk to, etc! I want my work to be a true reflection of themselves!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I think getting to know people and their stories! It’s a crazy feeling when you see your work being viewed by others and being used as a tool to uplift someone’s business and livelihood! It’s just so so cool!

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I want to get paid to make cool shit! That’s what I tell people. I just wanna make cool shit and meet cool people.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://danaledang.myportfolio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/createwithdana/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaledang/

Image Credits

All photos were taken by Flame Dong (@flamedongphoto).